Getting Back on Track with My Health

I’m back again with another coffee chat!This chat features a coffee with a splash of non-dairy milk and a slice of vegan coffee cake. Let me know if you want the full recipe! Anyway, today’s topic is health, specifically my health.

Don’t worry, this isn’t a “no longer vegan” post. However, I do want to talk about some small changes I have made in regards to my health. During the holiday season, I was really into veganizing traditional Christmas foods. I loved these creations and many of you did as well. I did get into the habit of eating vegan junk food though. I don’t like to label foods “good” or “bad”. But I did notice that eating an excess of vegan junk food impacted my health. I still considered myself healthy, but I did find that I was a little more lethargic and a little more squishy.

I decided to take action before I let myself go. Balance is what I am aiming for at the moment. My focus isn’t on weight, calories, or restriction. My goal right now is to just eat mainly whole plant foods with the occasional vegan treat. This sounds easy, but I tend to take things to an extreme. I would either obsess about my health or completely disregard my health. In the past, when I wanted to be healthy I would cut out certain foods. This type of restriction on top of a vegan diet is a recipe for disappointment. I am not doing that this time. I am simply going to be more mindful of what I am eating and make sure that it makes me feel my best. I have been using this same approach with exercise. I try to be active each day, but I’m going to beat myself up if I take rest days (unless I’m training for a race).

Sometimes I feel like the only vegan that isn’t afraid of oil. Using a teaspoon of olive oil when I cook isn’t going to negatively affect my health. What’s going to impact my health – is unnecessarily stressing over oil. Basically, right now I eat whole foods plant-based (wfpb) during the week and on the weekends I indulge in vegan comfort food. Also, I go for more walks; I run and do yoga instead of sitting down when I am off of work. I want to point out that my social media and this blog probably will not always reflect these changes. I am not a health guru nor a dietician, which is why I avoid talking about these subjects. I will stay open with my health though. I will attempt to post more whole foods recipes. The majority of my recipes will still be comfort food related and sweets.

Health isn’t a linear process and I wish more vegans (and people in general) were open about their health concerns. Sometimes things are not fine! In my opinion, striving for balance and moderation is ideal for physical and mental health. Being vegan isn’t a default setting for health. To recap, eat more fruits and vegetables, eat less junk, and get outside.

I am really only making small changes for my health, but I still wanted to share about this on here. I should also point out that I have no pressing health conditions. What I am doing, might not be best for every person. I am still going to enjoy cake and other treats on occasion. I hope you liked this coffee chat. Thank you for reading my rambles!

Post navigation

I really agree about moderation being the way. Just the other day I had a chat about people confusing being vegan with being healthy or on a weight loss diet. You can be vegan and eat french fries and drink coke all day long, which won’t make you very healthy. Obviously also eating lettuce and broccoli isn’t a healthy choice. So yeah, I believe the key is to find a good balance, and to do something that is sustainable for you. And if it helps, I cook with more oil than a tbs 😉

Going through the same feelings as you this Spring. My extra layer of warmth I added on over the winter with all the comfort/holiday food has me feeling… uncomfortable now. Making the changes and getting motivated, keeping health at the forefront always. Feeling a little bit better each and every day! Good luck to all of us!

Thank you! Yes, feeling guilty about food is terrible. It’s normal to fluctuate slightly in weight and health isn’t all about weight and what you eat. That’s why I think a balanced vegan diet is ideal and sustainable.

About Authentically Vegan

Hi I’m Kaley! I’m the creator behind this blog. So what is it all about? It’s a twenty something’s journey through life. Someone finding purpose and beauty in even the small things. And a passion for veganism and intentional living. Click to learn more!

Be the First to Know

Want new posts sent to your inbox? Subsribe with your email (no spam I promise).